Down 12-0 at halftime and missing key graduated stars, the St. Paul Johnson Governors engineered a thriller, pulling off a 21-20 comeback win over St. Agnes sealed by a late two-point conversion.
msr sports
Posted inOpinion
OpEd: College football kicks off over Labor Day weekend, but players are still not employees
The NCAA is lobbying Congress for the Protect College Sports Act, seeking unprecedented antitrust immunity. In this op-ed, Michele Roberts and Ellen J. Staurowsky break down why this bill undermines athlete labor rights and keeps student-athletes from being recognized as real employees.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Taylor, Smith give Gophers reasons for optimism
As the Minnesota Gophers kick off its 2026 season against Eastern Illinois, running back Darius Taylor and defensive lineman Anthony Smith step up as the heart and hustle of Dinkytown. Here is how mentorship, family motivation, and unfinished business brought them back to lead.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Fab Five Photos
As high school football season nears, stadiums across the Twin Cities are getting ready for packed stands and big plays. Check out this week’s Fab Five photo spread spotlighting local prep powerhouses.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Culpepper’s early flashes give Twins a look at their future
Rookie shortstop Kaelen Culpepper is already making waves in a Minnesota Twins uniform. Sports Columnist Charles Hallman breaks down Culpepper’s big-league adjustment, praise from veterans, and what his arrival signals for the franchise.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Fab Five Photos
YHIC edged Strictly 104-100 for the Twin Cities Pro Am title at DeLaSalle. Fab Five Photos captures Ware, Hooker, Brown, Patterson and Ola-Joseph in frame.
Posted inAnother View
Fear strikes again: the manufactured panic over transgender athletes
Trans athletes make up less than 0.002% of college sports, yet politicians and media figures continue to stoke fear. MSR Sports Columnist Charles Hallman breaks down the science, the WNBA noise, and the reality behind the outrage.
Posted inWNBA
W30 second half: All-Stars, analysts weigh in on stretch run
The WNBA’s second half is officially a sprint. From Natasha Howard’s defensive focus to expert insights from Cindy Brunson and Erica L. Ayala, here is how the league’s stretch run is shaping up.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Let’s Go Red: The Minnesota Vixen chasing history in WFA championship
Minneapolis native Cynthia “Red” Bryant has been playing tackle football for 27 years. Now, the 52-year-old grandmother is leading the Minnesota Vixen to Canton, Ohio, with a national title on the line.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Minnesota connections highlight SWAC’s March Madness run
Minnesota athletes continue to shine across the SWAC and NCAA, highlighted by Ariel Bland and Nina Thorson.
Sponsored
Minneapolis North Polars Hold Off Roosevelt Teddies, 64–60
The Minneapolis North Community Polars defeated the Roosevelt Teddies 64–60 in a competitive Minneapolis conference boys basketball matchup.
Posted inAnother View
March Madness: A look at HBCU basketball’s intensity and spirit
The HBCUAC basketball championship in Tuscaloosa highlighted NAIA HBCU talent as Rust College and SUNO captured conference titles.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
South wins Twin City Title
Minneapolis South defeated St. Paul Central 80–77 to win the TC Championship, securing its first Twin City title since 1962.
Posted inSports
From Minnesota Gyms to the Global Game
Minnesota high schools continue to shape professional basketball, with 17 alumni competing in the NBA, NBA-affiliated systems, and overseas leagues during the 2025–26 season.
Posted inBlack College Sports Report
Florida A&M’s new men’s head BB coach has storied past
Former Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward begins his first season as Florida A&M’s men’s basketball head coach, bringing leadership, experience, and family legacy back to FAMU.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Veteran TSU coach expects a fast game
Texas Southern returns to The Barn for the first time since 1995 as part of a demanding road heavy non conference schedule. Veteran coach Johnny Jones brings a fast and competitive squad that includes preseason all SWAC guard Zaire Hayes and leading scorers Troy Haywood and Drayce Roberts. Jones says the early tests at Gonzaga, Texas A and M, Vanderbilt and others serve as a measuring stick as the Tigers prepare for Minnesota.
Sponsored
Minneapolis South High Overpowers Cooper in Early Season Statement Win
South opened its season with authority, blowing past Cooper 91 to 41 behind an aggressive defense, fast paced offense, and standout performances from Jamair Wright and Laviance Gales. The Tigers looked deeper and more disciplined than last season, making an early statement in the Minneapolis City Conference.
Posted inOdds and Ends
This ‘Diva’ can coach
Alabama A and M is the only HBCU on the Gopher women’s basketball schedule this season, and they are bringing a proven winner to The Barn. Head Coach Dawn E. Thornton, a Jackson State alum and accomplished recruiter, led the Bulldogs to a 21 and 11 record and a WNIT berth in her first season. Picked second in the SWAC, Alabama A and M features preseason SWAC Player of the Year Kalia Walker and a core of double digit scorers, giving local fans a rare chance to see a strong HBCU program and a Black woman head coach on the Williams Arena sidelines.
Posted inAnother View
No respect for HBCUs among local media
Minnesota will host two HBCU opponents this month, but local mainstream media are unlikely to give the games meaningful coverage. HBCU advocates say this pattern fits decades of inequitable sports reporting, making Black owned media outlets like the MSR critical for visibility, respect, and fair representation.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
North defeats Pine Island in state playoffs
This week’s Fab Five photos feature the Minneapolis North Polars football team’s 50-21 victory over Pine Island in the Class 3A state quarterfinals at Totino Grace High School Saturday afternoon November 8, 2025. The defense and blocking of linemen Anthony Palmer, Malachi Tolliver, Jaylen Peterson, Adonis Baker and Musa Abdus-Sahid allowed quarterback Logan Lachermeier to […]